LAGOS, Nigeria — Less than 24 hours after the Senate approved the Constitution Alteration (State Police) Bill, 2026, the proposed establishment of state police has triggered widespread reactions across the country, with supporters describing it as a landmark security reform while critics warn of potential abuse, inadequate funding, and political interference.
The bill, which had earlier been passed by the House of Representatives on June 11, seeks to end the exclusive policing powers of the Nigeria Police Force by introducing a dual policing system comprising the Federal Police Service and State Police Services.
If approved by at least 24 State Houses of Assembly and subsequently assented to, individual states will have the constitutional authority to establish, recruit, fund, and manage their own police services under national standards set by the National Assembly.
While many political leaders and security advocates have welcomed the development as a long-awaited step toward strengthening grassroots security, others insist that the proposed reform requires stronger safeguards before implementation.
Funding Challenges and Corruption Concerns
Retired Commissioner of Police, Balarabe Sule, expressed concerns that many states lack the financial capacity to effectively operate state police services.
According to him, several state governments are already struggling to meet existing financial obligations, including payment of the national minimum wage, raising doubts about their ability to adequately fund, equip, and remunerate police personnel.
He warned that poor funding could encourage corruption among officers and reduce operational efficiency.
Sule also expressed fears that governors could misuse state police for political purposes despite existing constitutional safeguards.
Although he acknowledged that state police could contribute to reducing crime, he maintained that Nigeria must first address issues such as funding, operational standards, accountability, and institutional independence before implementation.
Political Parties Warn Against Abuse
Political parties also expressed mixed reactions to the legislation, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
The Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) criticised the timing of the reform, arguing that the Federal Government should first strengthen the Nigeria Police Force before creating additional policing structures.
Acting National Chairman of the CUPP, Chief Peter Ameh, noted that insecurity across the country—including banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, communal conflicts, and urban crime—has continued despite repeated promises to recruit more police officers and improve funding for security agencies.
While acknowledging the benefits of community-based policing, the coalition warned that poorly regulated state police could become instruments of political intimidation, election manipulation, and suppression of opposition voices.
The CUPP therefore urged lawmakers to establish strong national standards, sustainable funding mechanisms, and effective oversight systems before the policy takes effect.
Similarly, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) cautioned against allowing governors to recruit political loyalists into state police formations.
The party’s National Secretary, Dipo Olayoku, stressed that strict recruitment procedures and independent oversight would be necessary to prevent political abuse ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) also questioned the credibility of the current administration to oversee such a major constitutional reform.
Its National Chairman, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, argued that the government has yet to demonstrate sufficient capacity in managing the country’s existing security architecture and therefore lacks the public confidence required to implement state policing successfully.
Calls for Strong Legal Safeguards
Former Senator Ayodele Arise, who represented Ekiti North between 2007 and 2011, called for additional constitutional safeguards to prevent abuse.
He proposed that state Commissioners of Police should be selected through independent state police commissions, with appointments requiring legislative screening and approval by State Houses of Assembly rather than being solely determined by governors.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Monday Ubani, also maintained that effective state policing would depend largely on strengthening local government administration.
According to him, grassroots institutions remain essential for intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and community policing.
Ubani stressed that recruitment, promotions, disciplinary procedures, and operational control must remain independent of political influence if the new policing structure is to succeed.
Governors, Labour Party Back Reform
Despite the concerns, support for the bill continued to grow across the country.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the Senate’s decision as a historic milestone that would strengthen Nigeria’s federal system and improve internal security.
He noted that President Bola Tinubu had consistently advocated state police since serving as Governor of Lagos State.
Sanwo-Olu urged State Houses of Assembly to expedite the ratification process, saying the reform would improve efforts against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes.
The Labour Party also welcomed the legislation, describing it as one of the most significant constitutional reforms since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
National Publicity Secretary Ken Asogwa argued that Nigeria’s growing population and evolving security challenges make decentralised policing necessary.
He, however, agreed that strong institutional safeguards must be established to prevent governors from abusing state police for political purposes.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Lagos equally endorsed the proposal, stating that community-based policing would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen grassroots security, and close existing enforcement gaps.
Former National Publicity Secretary of the PDP and Director of Mobilisation and Enlightenment of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Olisa Metuh, described the Senate’s approval as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s security reform efforts.
He said state police would improve community policing, enhance intelligence gathering, create employment opportunities, reduce pressure on federal security agencies, and strengthen Nigeria’s federal structure if implemented effectively.
Security Experts Advocate Community Vigilance
Security professionals and community stakeholders have also urged Nigerians to complement government efforts by strengthening local vigilance.
Media manager Onyinye Uko stressed the importance of active neighbourhood watch groups, prompt reporting of suspicious activities, and stronger collaboration between residents and security agencies.
Clearing and freight forwarding agent Mayowa O. Anifowoshe encouraged citizens to remain alert, avoid isolated routes, maintain regular communication with relatives, and educate children on personal safety.
Student Commander Mercy O. highlighted the role of technology in combating insecurity, recommending the use of emergency alert systems, mobile tracking applications, surveillance cameras, and community communication platforms.
Student Chikamma Esther called for stronger partnerships between communities and security agencies, saying improved trust and intelligence sharing would enhance crime prevention.
Fashion designer Camillus C. Amaechi identified unemployment and economic hardship as major contributors to insecurity, urging governments to combine policing reforms with job creation and youth empowerment initiatives.
Another fashion designer, Amarachi Sarah, advised Nigerians to avoid unnecessary night travel, vary daily routines, maintain situational awareness, and regularly inform family members of their movements to reduce the risk of kidnapping.
As debate over the State Police Bill continues, attention now shifts to the 36 State Houses of Assembly, whose approval will determine whether Nigeria proceeds with one of the most significant constitutional and security reforms in its democratic history.
State Police Bill Sparks Nationwide Debate as Stakeholders Raise Concerns Over Funding, Abuse
